Last time I read Conan, he was escaping the Crucible and cut down the main baddie with a sword called The Tooth Of The Northstar, a stolen weapon. Conan decided he’d return the weapon to whom it belonged. However, nothing can ever be easy for the Cimmerian. The blade has a certain control over those that wield it – Conan is no different, as he falls to the sword’s control and cleaves in twain just about every living thing that is put in front of him and unfortunately for Conan, it’s still hungry.

Jim Zub has been writing Conan The Barbarian for five issues now and I’ve really liked it a lot. I was worried once Jason Aaron left the book that I wouldn’t enjoy it but the Cimmerian is in great hands with a writer who can not only write good fantasy action but thrives in this element. Conan the Barbarian #17, depicting a possessed weapon taking control of Conan, is a pretty brutal issue and we see glimpses of the world of the sword itself. I know Zub knows the world of Dungeons And Dragons well and so often you could come across such an item. I love it. It makes Conan more than just a hack and slash character.

I’m a big fan of Robert Gill. He worked on a bunch of Valiant Entertainment books a few years back and I’d genuinely missed seeing his work. I think his art is well-suited for Conan and he just does a lot of good, violent work throughout Conan the Barbarian #17. When telling the story of a man possessed by a weapon, you are bound to have to illustrate a lot of human demise, and Gill’s work pairs well with Israel Silva’s colors. I’m hoping Gill can stay on the title for a good, long time.

This was an awesome issue and like the “Tooth Of The Northstar”, I hunger for more of this story. Do yourself a favor and get Conan the Barbarian #17.

Story: Jim Zub Art: Robert Gill
Color: Israel Silva Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Amazon